August is my birthday month and I find I get a little more introspective as I complete yet another trip around the sun.
While I embrace change in my life rather openly, documenting the journey isn’t something that I’m great at. On reflection, I’ve realized that it’s watching others as they explore and experiment with their life and business that teaches me the most.
That’s why I’ve decided to create a new template for my newsletter and to share on this blog. I want to share what’s shaping my point of view right now.
Right Now…
Blogs and newsletters have become so transactional or de-personalized. I miss the old-school content. Opening up a newsletter or clicking on a favourite blogger’s site to get a glimpse into what was happening in their lives at that moment.
‘Right Now’ is a monthly digest to recapture the personal nature of email newsletters and blogs.
What I’m thinking about:
Confidence grows when you’ve experienced the outcome of your effort enough times that you’re able to predict what will happen with some certainty.
If you’re feeling like a fraud, it’s important to set a target and take action to achieve it. Confidence comes from knowing you can achieve results, not gaining more knowledge.
What I’m reading:
As a library lover, the title of The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick caught my eye. The story ended up being about a middle-aged woman who spent the majority of her life taking care of others to the point of neglecting her own needs. The self-sacrifice was so pronounced that it was absurd, but also a good wake-up call about the dangers of people pleasing and the need to take care of yourself first.
What I’m listening to:
These Are Days by 10,000 Maniacs has been on repeat in my playlist this summer. It feels like it’s from a simpler time (sooooo 90’s), and reminds me that it can always be a simpler time – it’s just a matter of what we choose to focus our attention on:
These are the days you might fill with laughter until you break.
These days you might feel a shaft of light make its way across your face.
And when you do, you'll know how it was meant to be, see the signs, know their meaning. It's true. You'll know how it was meant to be, hear the signs and know they're speaking to you.
What I’m working on:
I started a new job this past June. It’s exciting and feels like meaningful work, but it also takes a lot of my time and energy throughout the week.
In the past, I’ve let my full-time roles overshadow my own creativity. That’s why I’ve carved out 2.5 hours on Sunday mornings to work on my business before my son wakes up. It’s not a lot of time, so things are moving slowly. I’ll definitely need to schedule more time in my week to focus on the project I’ve chosen to move forward (more on that when there’s something tangible to share). For now, I’ll say that 8 weeks of consistently showing up feels like a win.
What I’ve shipped:
I have to admit, I haven’t been great at finishing things recently. I spread the writing of my most recent blog post over a few weeks, but in a classic Jessica move, I didn’t actually share the post with you. Better late than never.
Choosing a Domain Name
Naming your business or product can be overwhelming – especially if you’re a perfectionist. Your name sets the whole tone for your brand.
Here’s my process for hunting down a domain name that is not only available but also feels good to share.
What I’m enjoying:
I haven’t been getting out much, and it’s kind of nice. I spend most of my downtime sitting on my front porch listening to music, reading, watching a movie, enjoying the summer weather, and sipping a local craft cider. The trees surrounding my house are full of leaves and make me feel like I’m in a forest rather than a city. It’s lovely.
What I’m grateful for:
So many things, but if I have to choose just one at the moment it’s that my son is at a really special age where he is both more independent but also wants to spend time with me. I’m happy to be past the stage of life where I didn’t get a minute to myself, yet I also know we are right into the age where time with friends is the top priority, so I’m soaking up every minute that he wants to spend with me while I can.
Quote of the month:
“The difference between who you are and who you want to be, is what you do” – Bill Phillips
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